Impressions of Cyprus

Cats
Did I mention the cats here? They are revered at the Kykkos Abbey north of Troodos, where none are turned away. In fact there are many cats in Cyprus everywhere you go and they are usually taken care of quite well (except not black cats…people fear them here - superstitious). You see some people out walking dogs, but cats roam everywhere, though they are not overly abundant or a nuisance.

Metal blinds
There are wonderful metal blinds here that are outfitted to the outside of the window and operated by a wide strap from inside. One can close them to totally keep the room dark…a definite must for sleeping during any daylight hours.



Clothes dryers
There are hardly any clothes dryers here….everyone hangs there clothes up on the line, even in apartments where they have an ‘outside’ balcony. In Helga’s apartment they have an outside enclosed area with metal fence kind of thing on the first floor at least, high enough so someone can’t get in. Above them the tenants, simply stick their clothes on lines over the balcony. Solar heating provides heat for water and is supplemented by electricity but only turned on when necessary for showers or baths.

Fruit trees
Lemon and orange trees grow everywhere and the odd fig tree too. Apparently they grow wild as well, but the fruit isn’t as tasty. Bananas are grown here, and pomegranates, apples and grapes.

Cyprus Rain
One night we had a heavy thundershower. They call it a Cyprus rain. They are in desperate need of water here, and the days continue sunny and dry.

Traffic/parking
I have driven in a number of countries, but none where they drive so crazy as here. Rarely do people stop for stop signs, though they do for red lights. The roads are narrow and everyone exceeds the speed limit. Signalling to change lanes or turn a corner is almost non-existent, and everyone honks at everyone. When they decide to stop, they park anywhere and everywhere. Often they go onto the sidewalks. Sometimes they just abandon their cars, even if it means being double parked. The direction of parking is hilarious – all directions work…parallel to the road in both directions or perpendicular to it., and often in the driving lane.


























The cars may look like they are turning corners or going into driveways, but I assure you they are parked....abandoned really and no takes any notice though it makes it tricky for pedestrians, who then have to walk on the streets.

There are a few traffic circles here that work well, except on huge intersections. The motorways are fabulous, good roads, but once you’re off them, good luck in finding out where you need to go, as signage is scarce.







The other problem is that they often put the names of places in three ways on the signs – the Turkish spelling, the Greek spelling, and then in Greek letters. This is fine, except that the places suddenly disappear off the signs and you are left wondering which way to go. I’ve made a few turnarounds and had another go, certainly making many more miles than necessary at times. But I’ve also found some delightful things along the way that I would not have otherwise seen. Sometimes like on the trip to Lara, the roads are worse than our secondary gravel roads and would be best used by 4 wheel drives or donkey and cart, or mountain goats.

Food
Halloumi cheese is made from goat’s milk and has a mild, delicious flavour that I quite like. There are lovely market gardens here with everything very cheap and fresh every day. I love the Greek food too. I’ve tasted quite few different items. Also had a fabulous chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe at Pasucci restaurant.

Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is incredible. I was just out dipping my toes in it….I’m too chicken to actually swim in it right now…but some hardy souls are going in though they are few and far between. There were a group of swimmers at Pafos…

People from Cyprus are called Cypriots –pronounced sip-ree-ots), as opposed to Greek, though they are of Greek descent. The dialect is slightly different between the two languages in Greece and Cyprus apparently (like France French and Canadian French).


Here's the apartment where I'm staying in Limassol - it's on the first floor.